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Is it ever acceptable to forgo
life-sustaining treatment?
United Church of Christ


Yes: "General Synod 9 (1973) adopted ‘The Rights and Responsibilities of Christians Regarding Human Death’, a statement originally reported by the Council for Christian Social Action. It . . . Supports the right to die with dignity through termination of extraordinary measures used to keep a terminally ill, unconscious patient alive" (1997: 19)
"General Synod 18 (1991) adopted another resolution titled ‘The Rights and Responsibilities of Christians Regarding Human Death’ . . . It also affirms the right of individuals to ‘die with dignity and not have their lives unnecessarily prolonged by extraordinary measures.’" (1997: 19)

"These rights are affirmed [in the American Hospital Association's ‘Patient’s Bill of Rights’]: The right to have all pertinent information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis; the right to give ‘informed consent’ prior to any procedures being performed; and pertinent to this booklet, the right to ‘refuse medical treatment.’ The General Synod’s statements are all consistent with this right." (1997: 19)


Is it ever acceptable to forgo
artificial nutrition and hydration?


Not specifically addressed.

 

 


Citations


"Resolution: The Rights and Responsibilities of Christians Regarding Human Death. 1991. Proceedings of the 18th General Synod.

"Statement: The Rights and Responsibilities of Christians Regarding Human Death." 1973. Proceedings of the 9th General Synod, Council for Christian Social Action of UCC.

"Making End of Life Decisions: United Church of Christ Perspectives." 1997.

   

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